LAS CRUCES – A Las Cruces middle school teacher and coach is facing multiple felony charges after police launched an investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.
According to the Las Cruces Police Department, Wyatt Cornelius, 43, is charged with one third-degree felony count of criminal sexual contact of a minor, along with fourth-degree felony counts of child solicitation by an electronic device and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Investigators said they first learned of the allegations on April 10, 2026, and immediately began investigating. At the time of the reported incidents, Cornelius was employed as a teacher and coach at Camino Real Middle School.
Police allege that Cornelius and a 14-year-old student engaged in multiple inappropriate conversations through the Snapchat platform. Investigators also reported that the suspect inappropriately touched the student’s buttocks and legs in classroom settings and during sporting events.
Las Cruces police arrested Cornelius on Wednesday, April 22. He is currently being held without bond at the Doña Ana County Detention Center as the investigation continues.
Authorities are not identifying the juvenile victim or releasing details that could cause harm, interfere with the ongoing investigation, or discourage others from reporting similar incidents. Police are asking anyone who may have information or who wishes to report a similar incident to contact the Las Cruces Police Department at 575-526-0795. Victims of sexual assault or child abuse can also seek confidential support by calling the La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services 24-hour crisis hotline at 575-526-3437.
All persons mentioned in this report are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
By John Krehbiel – Bravo Mic Communications LLC
john@Bravomic.com
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